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Diwali 2021

Healthy Diwali

Nov 3rd, 2021

Archive for the ‘ Health Tips ’ Category

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Healthy Diwali

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021

Diwali – the “Festival of Lights” is here which is celebrated with much fervour across India. It’s the time of the year when we meet family and friends and consume varieties of festive sweets and snacks. During these moments, though, we frequently neglect how our health may be impacted by the activities we engage in. Let us take the required health precautions to ensure that this Diwali remains happy and healthy for one and all.

During the festival, the delicious sweets and dishes are mouth-watering and lip-smacking and simply leave us wanting for more. However, oily, unhealthy and chemical laden sweets and treats can lead to health issues like bloating, constipation and may also cause weight gain. It may also cause an increase in blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels or increase your risk of heart disease. The high levels of noise and air pollution tend to disturb pregnant women, the elderly and newborn children. Let us pledge to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali now and always. Celebrate consciously and prioritize your health this Diwali. Here are a few health tips to follow to ensure that you and your family have a healthy and safe Diwali:

  • Eat healthy
    Love snacking on calorie-rich Diwlai treats and sweets? Instead choose low-calorie sweets, nuts and fruits. It is advisable to eat homemade delicacies than store-bought and processed foods. Keeping note of when you eat, what you eat, and practicing portion control is recommended.
  • Limit intake of oily foods
    This Diwali make smart and healthy choices and avoid eating deep fried unhealthy foods. Choose to make roasted snacks or bake them instead of frying them, this will help reduce oil consumption. 
  • Avoid overeating
    People often tend to overeat on occasions or festivities. However, binge eating at any point in time will leave you with unwanted discomfort, acid reflux and indigestion. It may also disturb your sleep pattern, and further affect your hormones and metabolism.
  • Stay hydrated
    One of the best ways to stay hydrated during these festive days is to drink plenty of water. Water cleanses the body of all toxic waste materials while providing energy during the festivities.
  • Avoid alcohol intake
    It is best to avoid alcoholic beverages as they harm your liver and heart health and increase your risk of cancer too. Instead choose to sip on freshly made juices or plain water.
  • Celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali
    Pledge to make this Diwali noise-free and smoke-free and enjoyable for one and all. Crackers are associated not only with air pollution but noise pollution as well. It harms the hearing skills of the elderly and also triggers many respiratory infections. Light up this Diwali with earthen diyas instead of bursting crackers.
  • Supervise young children
    Still bursting crackers? You must ensure that young children are supervised by adults while bursting crackers. Always wear cotton clothes and keep a first-aid kit handy for any accidental burn injuries.
  • Don’t forget to Exercise
    Too busy to skip your daily exercise regime? Start your day with a short walk or a little bit of stretching. This helps you stay energized throughout the day and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital wishes you and your family a happy and safe Diwali. Our team is dedicated to ensure your safety across the year with our medical expertise. Our Accident and Emergency team is accessible 24/7 to respond to any medical emergencies, call on 022 42699999 for emergency services. Please find the below link for our Centre for Accident & Emergency: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_accidentemergency.html

Why Stroke Awareness Matters

Friday, October 29th, 2021

One Indian suffers a brain stroke every 20 seconds, or three every minute, and the numbers are rising rapidly due to changing lifestyles! Around 1.54 million Indians are affected by a stroke each year at this rate, and the worst part is that 90% of stroke patients do not arrive at the hospital on time.

A stroke can happen to anyone, at anytime and anywhere. It occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (or ruptures). When that happens, a section of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so it and brain cells die. Today stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide and the second leading cause of death. Many stroke survivors face significant challenges that include physical disability, communication problems, changes in how they think and feel, loss of work, income, and social networks. In extreme cases, stroke may prove fatal too.

What are the Types of Stroke?

A stroke occurs due to a decrease or blockage in the brain’s blood supply. A person experiencing a stroke needs immediate emergency treatment. There are three main types of stroke:

  • Ischemic stroke
    This makes up to 87% of all cases. A blood clot prevents blood and oxygen from reaching an area of the brain.
  • Hemorrhagic stroke
    This occurs when a blood vessel ruptures. These are usually the result of aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
  • Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
    This occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is inadequate for a brief period of time, and the symptoms resolve without treatment.

Warning Signs of Stroke

When you suffer a stroke, the blood supply to your brain is cut off. To avoid brain damage, incapacity, or even death, you must seek treatment as soon as possible. Watch out for these warning signs of stroke using the FAST test:

  • Face
    Smile and see if one side of the face droops.
  • Arms
    Raise both arms, are you noticing weakness?
  • Speech
    Check if the speech is slurring.
  • Time
    If the answer to any of these is yes, call emergency medical help.

If you think you or someone you know is suffering from a stroke you must contact our emergency services on
022 42699999.

Stroke Prevention Measures

Up to 90% of strokes could be prevented by addressing a small number of risk factors. These include:

  • Hypertension
    Monitor your blood pressure levels as untreated hypertension damages blood vessels and can lead to a number of serious diseases including stroke.
  • Exercise
    Just 30 minutes of exercise five times a week can reduce your risk of stroke by 25%. Be regular with your exercise regime.
  • Eat healthy
    Over half of the strokes are linked to a poor diet but making small dietary changes can help change this. Making healthy food choices will help maintain a healthy weight, reduce your blood pressure and lower your cholesterol, thus reducing your stroke risk.
  • Weight
    Being overweight is one of the top ten risk factors for stroke and is associated with almost 1 in 5 strokes. Maintaining a healthy weight will help you reduce your risk of stroke.
  • Atrial Fibrillation
    This is a condition where the heartbeat is irregular and often very fast. It is very important to know about atrial fibrillation and treat it as it may pose a major risk factor for stroke.
  • Smoking
    Smoking tobacco increases your risk of having a stroke by two times than a non-smoker. Quit smoking.
  • Alcohol
    Drinking too much alcohol may increase your risk of stroke, globally excessive alcohol consumption is linked to over 1 million strokes each year. Say “No” to alcohol.
  • Cholesterol
    Stroke is linked to high levels of LDL cholesterol. Cholesterol levels must be monitored regularly so that they can be managed with lifestyle changes or medication.
  • Diabetes
    1 in 5 people who have a stroke are diabetic and people with diabetes have poorer outcomes from stroke compared to others. Diabetes can be managed with medication, diet, and exercise.
  • Depression and stress
    Depression and stress are linked to almost two times greater risk of stroke particularly in adults who are middle-aged and older.

Stroke treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

A Stroke is a complex medical issue and minutes matter in treating stroke. Recognizing the signs of stroke early, treating it as a medical emergency with admission to a specialized stroke unit, and access to advanced medical care can substantially improve outcomes. The Stroke Unit at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital offers a comprehensive stroke care programme for the management of acute and chronic stroke patients and offers the fastest emergency care. The Multidisciplinary team of experts help in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation care of stroke patients using high-end technological expertise. Please find below our website link for further information about our Centre for Neurosciences: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_neurosciences/stroke.html

Protect Your Mental Health

Saturday, October 9th, 2021

Feeling very low or disturbed? Extreme mood changes, feelings of anger, worry or guilt are not normal. These need to be discussed with your doctor. Mental illness affects 1 out of every 7 Indians. According to the World Health Organization, 56 million Indians suffer from depression and another 38 million Indians suffer from anxiety disorders. Your emotional, psychological, and social well-being all make up your mental health and impact the way you think, feel, and act.

The theme for 2021 ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’ wants the world to focus sufficiently on health beyond physical health. The pandemic has caused an immense impact on the mental health of people across age groups as well as disrupted the existing mental health services too. Let us come together and increase the awareness around mental health and the importance of seeking timely medical care. Early identification of symptoms and prompt medical assistance can help reduce the severity of a mental illness.

Types of Mental Disorders

The term “mental disorders” is used to describe a wide range of mental and behavioural illnesses that appear in various ways. They are generally characterised by a combination of abnormal thoughts, emotions, perceptions, behaviour and relationships with others. Disorders can range from mild to severe and can affect people of every sex, age, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic group. Here are some of the most frequent mental illnesses:

  • Depression:
    Chronic depression is a debilitating illness that usually reoccurs throughout a person’s lifetime. Symptoms include fatigue, lack of concentration, changes in appetite and thoughts of suicide. Some other forms of depression include seasonal affective disorder and postpartum depression.
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):
    General disorders on autism include autistic disorder, Asperger’s syndrome and atypical autism.
  • Schizophrenia:
    Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that can cause people to have delusions, hallucinate or show no emotion at all.
  • Bipolar Disorder:
    Bipolar disorder is one of several mood disorders that leave people with emotions swinging from very high (manic) to hazardously low (depressive).
  • Anxiety Disorders:
    Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition and include OCD, panic attacks and phobias.
  • Eating Disorders:
    Bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder are marked by extreme behaviours, which usually are rooted in complex biological and psychological causes.

Symptoms of Mental Disorders

Medical research suggests that early intervention can help minimize or delay the symptoms, prevent hospitalization and improve the prognosis of mental health conditions. Here are some signs that need further medical investigation:

  • Withdrawal from friends and family
  • Extreme and long-lasting sadness
  • Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
  • High and low extremes of emotion
  • Big changes in sleeping or eating habits
  • Excessive anger
  • Drug or alcohol abuse

Mental Disorders – Myths & Facts

Here are some common myths and facts that mislead people. Ask questions, know the facts, consult medical experts if needed:

Myth: Children don’t experience mental health problems.
Fact: That is not true, very young children may also show early warning signs of mental health disease. They are often clinically diagnosable and occur due to biological, psychological, and social factors.

Myth: People with a mental illness cannot have a job.
Fact: People with mental health disorders are as productive as other employees. In fact, they report good attendance and punctuality as well as excellent motivational levels.

Myth: Mental health disorders last a lifetime.
Fact: A good treatment plan helps you work through the problem and recover. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the problem has gone away. But you can definitely manage it better and live an improved life.

Myth: Mental health problems are a sign of weakness.
Fact: Mental illness has nothing to do with your physical or emotional strength or weakness. It is a medical disorder that needs treatment, in the same way, infection or fracture would.

Myth: Psychiatric medications are bad.
Fact: Many people believe that psychiatric medicine is harmful. Just like any other detrimental medical condition, mental illness requires medication. Regular therapy combined with medication can greatly improve one’s quality of life.

Treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

It is important to understand that mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and chronic stress frequently necessitate specialised therapy and treatment. These disorders may worsen over time if you don’t get help right once, and they can have a significant negative impact on your health and quality of life.

Highly trained and experienced specialists at our Department of Psychiatry offer therapeutic and counselling services to people with mental health disorders. Our skilled team use a variety of tried-and-tested therapy approaches to help you overcome mental health difficulties, minimise symptoms, and take steps toward a robust and long-term recovery. All treatment is individually tailored according to your unique needs and requirements, allowing us to achieve the best potential post-treatment results. Please visit our website for further information: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/psychiatry.html

Know about Alzheimer’s Disease

Monday, September 20th, 2021

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to die. It is the most prevalent cause of dementia, which is characterised by a steady loss in a person’s mental, behavioural, and social abilities that impairs their capacity to function independently. It is estimated that 5.3 million people above the age of 60 had dementia in India in 2020. This equals to one in 27 people, according to the Dementia in India 2020 report. Therapy and medications can benefit patient’s quality of life by temporarily improving or slowing the course of symptoms.

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that develops slowly and worsens with time. It eventually affects every part of your brain. The condition can affect memory, reasoning, judgement, language, problem-solving, personality, and movement. It progresses through five phases and each person’s experience with Alzheimer’s disease is unique. The different stages include:

  • Preclinical Alzheimer’s disease
    This stage of Alzheimer’s can last for years, possibly even decades without showing any symptoms. Certain genetic tests can also help detect your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
    Mild cognitive impairment affects people’s memory and reasoning abilities just a little. These modifications aren’t yet large enough to have an impact on jobs or relationships. People may have memory lapses or make mistakes in their judgement.
  • Mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease
    Alzheimer’s disease is often diagnosed in the mild dementia stage, when it becomes clear to family and doctors that a person is having significant trouble with memory that impacts daily functioning.
    The symptoms include:
    • Memory loss of recent events
    • Difficulty with problem-solving
    • Personality changes
    • Difficulty organizing and expressing thoughts
    • Getting lost or misplacing belongings
  • Moderate dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease
    During the moderate dementia stage of Alzheimer’s disease, people tend to become more confused and forgetful and need more help with daily activities and self-care.
    The symptoms include:
    • Show increasingly poor judgment
    • Experience even greater memory loss
    • Need help with some daily activities
    • Outbursts of aggressive physical behaviour
  • Severe dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease
    Mental function continues to deteriorate in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, known as severe dementia, and the disease has a significant influence on movement and physical ability.
    The symptoms include:
    • Lose the ability to communicate coherently 
    • Require daily assistance with personal care
    • Experience a decline in physical abilities

Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is thought to be caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells. Certain factors such as age, genetics, environment, lifestyle, and concurrent medical disorders may increase your risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some preventive health tips reduce your chances of contracting the disease:

  • Manage your numbers
    Research shows strong connections between Alzheimer’s and conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Be regular with your health checkups.
  • Check your weight
    Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Exercise regularly
    When you exercise, even if it’s just a little amount, more blood flows to the brain, making it healthier. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise five days a week or more.
  • Take safety precautions
    Always wear a helmet while riding a bike or a seat belt while driving a car. Protect yourself from accidents that may lead to severe head injuries.
  • Don’t smoke
    Avoid all forms of tobacco.
  • Healthy diet
    Eat a healthy and balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean protein. Limit intake of added sugar, refined foods, and alcohol.
  • Challenge your mind
    People who keep learning and stay social may be less likely to get Alzheimer’s disease. Research suggests that mental stimulation helps you develop strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Here are some ways to keep your mind active and healthy:

  • Reading or writing
  • Solving puzzles like crosswords, sudoku or scrabbles
  • Playing cards
  • Arts and Crafts – Painting, drawing, knitting
  • Playing an instrument or listening to music

Alzheimer’s care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is life-changing for the person with the disease, as well as their family and friends. Our Alzheimer and Memory Clinic offers a comprehensive screening and care program for this condition including neurology consultation, physical and cognitive rehabilitation, and psychotherapy. Take the first step towards managing your Alzheimer’s, consult our top therapists. Our team of experienced neurologists and rehabilitation specialists help manage this condition using a personalised multidisciplinary approach. Our Centre for Neurology is dedicated to provide world-class Alzheimer’s care, to improve the quality of life for those suffering from this condition. Please find below website for further details:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_neurosciences/alzheimer_sdisease.html

How to Set Smart Goals and Achieve them

Monday, September 13th, 2021

Do you find it difficult to meet your health objectives year after year? Do your New Year’s resolutions often fail? Achieving health goals about fitness, eating healthy, weight loss, and monitoring your health numbers does not have to be complicated. Choose reachable goals that will have a long-term impact on your everyday behaviours and help you improve your life. Avoid short-term health fads that can’t be maintained for an extended period of time. Forty percent of all chronic diseases can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating a healthy diet and working out regularly.

SMART goals

A good goal-setting strategy is the SMART goal checklist. SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. If you are looking at being fitter and healthier here are some tips to achieve your goal the SMART way:

  • Specific
    Make your goal very clear and specific. The first step in developing a good habit is to describe exactly what that new habit will be. Instead of saying you will eat more vegetables and fruits, your goal might be to fill 2/3 of your plate with healthy fruits and vegetables at each meal.
  • Measurable
    Is your objective measurable? Keeping track of your progress and holding yourself accountable will help you stay on track. A journal, whether online or on paper, is a great method to keep track of your progress. As a result, you’ll know when you’ve accomplished it. For example, It’s simple to measure if you eat 5 servings of vegetables every day or perform 20 squats every day. Only set targets for which you have a clear measurement criterion.
  • Achievable
    Always choose health goals that you are able to do. Starting a new health program is exciting and it’s easy to get caught up in the wonderful possibilities. It’s easy to get caught up in the exciting prospects of starting a health programme. That’s excellent, but be sure the objectives you’re setting are realistic. Begin slowly and gradually increase the difficulty of your goals.
  • Realistic
    It feels fantastic to achieve your goals, but it feels even worse when you don’t. So, before committing to specific health goals, consider your abilities and commitments. Attempt something difficult but not impossible. If the aim is too easy, you may always change it afterwards. If you start small, you’re more likely to see long-term behaviour change.
  • Timely
    Set a deadline for yourself. A goal isn’t much use if it doesn’t have a deadline. Giving your goals a deadline instills a feeling of urgency and accountability in them.

Healthy Eating

When you’re trying to develop new habits—whether it’s healthy eating, getting more exercise, or quitting smoking—you have a better chance of success if you make a plan ahead of time. Knowing why you want to eat healthier can help you make changes in your eating habits. You may have a family history of certain health conditions, fighting obesity, or want to control your blood pressure or diabetes levels.

Rather than eliminating anything from your diet, try adding something new. Include items that you believe you require more of, such as fruits and vegetables. You may feel starved if you begin by eliminating foods that are heavy in fat or sugar from your diet. This will make it more difficult for you to change. Make a conscious effort to eat more of the healthy meals that you enjoy. Make a list of your favourite foods and see what you can do to make them healthy. Slow, steady steps will set you up for success. Here are some steps to follow:

  • Set your goals
    Write down your goals, and hang them up where you can see them. Reading your goals can be helpful.
  • Track your progress
    Keeping track of your progress using a notebook, journal, or food record helps evaluate your progress from time to time.
  • Think about your barriers
    When you hit a barrier, and most people do – seek support. Talk to your family members and friends to find support and overcome the barriers.

Exercise & Fitness

Research suggests that many people would exercise more and lose weight if they knew how to fit working out into their busy schedules. You know you should exercise more, but that alone isn’t enough to motivate you. Here’s how to plan a workout routine and stick to it.

You know you should exercise more, but that won’t always get you going. Here’s how to devise and stick to an exercise program.

  • Set clear fitness goals
  • Personalizing your exercise goals
  • Choose exercises you enjoy doing
  • Seek help from a professional

Setting SMART objectives for health and fitness means you have clear ideas and are able to focus your efforts. This allows you to manage your time in a way that maximises your return and increases your chances of success. Get started with your health goals today!

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